Not sure how I feel about this one. On one hand, it gives us more veteran bullpen depth but it would seem this money might have been better spent on position player needs. Lindstrom's numbers were ok but he seemed to struggle with inherited runners. I would have been ok with them using Daniel Webb or Jake Petricka in the 7th inning right hander role.

EDIT: I remembered that is possible that the Sox pick up the option and then trade Lindstrom much like they did with Jason Frasor a couple years ago. I'll wait and see how this one plays out before passing judgment.

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The very existence of flamethrowers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, "You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done." -George Carlin

Lindstrom still throws too well to let him go over $4M. It's not like we are loaded in middle relief. If he is traded, that is OK, too but too valuable to just release at $4M. At this salary level, he certainly has trade value. (By comparison, Thornton would be due $6M by Boston if they exercised his option)

EDIT: I remembered that is possible that the Sox pick up the option and then trade Lindstrom much like they did with Jason Frasor a couple years ago. I'll wait and see how this one plays out before passing judgment.

That is likely the plan here, I think.

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Ridiculousness across all sports:

(1) "You have no valid opinion because you never played the game."
(2) "Stats are irrelevant. This guy just doesn't know how to win."

As thin as the White Sox bullpen is, I couldn't imagine management not picking up Lindstom's option.

Eh, I don't think it is as weak as you think. Jones and Reed are pretty solid and I thought Webb and Petricka did a decent job from the right side last year considering it was their rookie year. Also, there is talk of putting Rienzo in the bullpen if he doesn't win a starter job which would further bolster the pen. I think that ultimately might be the best spot for him since he seems to be more of a two pitch guy. They could definitely use a lefty though. I don't really trust David Purcey in a tight ballgame and Donnie Veal is very inconsistent. Overall though, I do agree that having a veteran like Lindstrom always helps, I just wonder if it precludes them from spending elsewhere.

If either of those 2 are in the conversation for a bullpen spot, we have a ridiculously thin bullpen.

We are thin on left handers in the bullpen which is a problem shared by at least 20 other MLB teams. I don't think that speaks for the total quality of the pen. It's tough to find solid lefties and I think many Sox fans will grow to appreciate what Matt Thornton brought to the table now that he is gone.

Eh, I don't think it is as weak as you think. Jones and Reed are pretty solid and I thought Webb and Petricka did a decent job from the right side last year considering it was their rookie year. Also, there is talk of putting Rienzo in the bullpen if he doesn't win a starter job which would further bolster the pen. I think that ultimately might be the best spot for him since he seems to be more of a two pitch guy. They could definitely use a lefty though. I don't really trust David Purcey in a tight ballgame and Donnie Veal is very inconsistent. Overall though, I do agree that having a veteran like Lindstrom always helps, I just wonder if it precludes them from spending elsewhere.

You might be right, but when you are looking to Reed and Jones for veteran leadership out of the bullpen, I think the bullpen could be thin on experience. There are so many little things that go into building a successful baseball team, and pitching is such a fragile commodity. I think a little more experience like Lindstrom's would mean enough that the Sox should want him back.

It's possible the Sox could find more veteran bullpen help this off-season, and the Sox could find what Lindstrom should bring to the team in a cheaper contract. Relief pitchers are often part of multiplayer deals. But at this point, if you're deciding whether to pick up Lindstrom's option, I think the Sox made the expected decision.